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Red light and taxi driver thwart hotel thieves

A pair of opportunists who had stolen various valuables from guests in a Lisbon hotel were caught by police after they were reported by a keen-eyed taxi driver and their getaway vehicle became stuck in traffic waiting at a red light.

The incident happened at around 8.30am, last Saturday morning, when one of the pair casually strolled into the Hotel Altis Park in Olaias to snatch handbags, cash and other items from guests waiting around in the reception area. The thief was spotted by a nearby taxi driver as he hurriedly left the hotel and jumped into a vehicle waiting outside. The taxi driver told the media it was the man’s hurried manner that caught his attention. Realising a robbery was in progress, he alerted local police and gave them a description of the getaway vehicle.They were detected on Avenida Afonso Costa and a police chase ensued, which culminated when the thieves’ car became stuck in city traffic at a red light.Blocked in, the driver immediately gave himself up, and while his fellow assailant still attempted to flee on foot, they were both eventually detained.The two Brazilian nationals were arrested for illegal immigration and resisting and coercing an officer. Both required medical assistance as officers had to use force to restrain them.The stolen goods were recovered and handed over to immigration authority SEF to return to their rightful owners.

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